Dr Oko Vanderpuije, Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has expressed the Assembly’s desire to partner with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality to improve the standard of living of Ghanaians.
Dr Vanderpuije made the assurance when the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) in Turkey, Dr Kadir Tophas paid a courtesy call on him in Accra to express his commitment to strengthen cordial relationship for the benefit of Ghana and Turkey.
Dr Vanderpuije said the AMA has drawn up programmes and policies targeted to enable the people to overcome the challenges such as transportation, drainage and sewerage systems.
He said the general urban development of the metropolis was a cardinal part of the Better Ghana Agenda of the government and it was on this premise that he would ensure a strong partnership with Istanbul to make the dream of making Accra a Millennium City come true.
The MCE gave the assurance that the new Accra would see the prevention of further slum development as well as indiscriminate citing of containers and kiosks while the existing structures would be improved.
He said the visit of the Mayor of Istanbul marked the beginning of partnership between the two municipalities adding that; “we have opened today a new chapter and would ensure that this historic visit would not remain a mere declaration since the AMA was resolved to play its role effectively to change the city.
Dr Vanderpuije praised the Turkish Government and the Istanbul Mayor, Dr Tophas for supporting AMA for more development in Ghana.
Dr Tophas in his response announced a 300-million dollars package for Ghana and indicated that the recent visit by President John Dramani Mahama to Turkey was highly appreciated and had strengthened the cooperation between the two countries.
He said the future of Ghana was bright because of its aim to promote peace, ensure stability and protect its democratic gains.
The Mayor of Istanbul noted that Ghana had made gains in the development of the country and he felt obliged to contribute to the welfare of the people of Ghana.
Dr Tophas said Turkish attached great importance to the development of Ghana hence the need for “my visit to sign a cooperation protocol and make sure the relationship between the two countries become a reality.”
“I will be more than happy to share our development with Ghana and Turkey to find practical and responsible solutions to the city’s numerous challenges,” he said.
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